Zelenskyy says Ukraine ready for US-backed talks with Russia

Ukraine is ready to hold trilateral talks with the United States and Russia this month to end the war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday in Kyiv alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine supports a swift timeline for negotiations, with the UAE or another US-proposed venue as a possible setting. Washington is pushing for technical-level talks by the end of October, and has also contacted Moscow about the plan. US ceasefire efforts had paused due to Washington's war on Iran, but are now resuming. Both sides continue long-range attacks, with Russia targeting Ukraine's energy sector as winter approaches. India also announced it aims to expand its mediation role in the conflict.